As part of our preparations for the forthcoming campaign, we’re pleased to announce Brian Rice will take up a new role as Head of Football Operations within the club.

Drawing on more than 25 years’ worth of experience coaching in the Scottish game, Brian will head up and lead on player recruitment, working closely with manager David Martindale in identifying players and areas for improvement.

Originally joining the Lions in November 2023 as first-team coach, Brian previously enjoyed spells as assistant manager at Greenock Morton, Airdrieonians, Falkirk, Hibernian and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, following a successful playing career. Before arriving in West Lothian, he held the top job at Hamilton Academical and latterly, Alloa Athletic.

Brian’s move represents a significant opportunity for the club, as we look to strengthen and build on our position ahead of an exciting year ahead, on and off the pitch.

Men’s first-team manager David Martindale said, “As part of the structural review at the end of our successful 2024-25 season, we identified that we were a bit fragile in terms of player recruitment and player ID, both paramount to the on-field success of the club.

“Chipper will work a transfer window in front of the current window, and will be looking at how and where we can strengthen the squad on an ongoing basis. It’s not easy and an ever demanding role in the modern game and is an area where we have been very delicate and under funded over the years so I must offer a massive thanks to the board for finding a way to make this happen.

“For the club to progress and remain as competitive as possible in the coming seasons, it was paramount that we created this role and brought someone into support the first-team coaching staff and provide a valuable line of communication between the board and the first-team management.

“Chipper’s remit will mainly be based around player recruitment and player trading while he will be in the building to support myself and coaching staff as and when his schedule allows.

“It’s a fantastic job for someone with Chipper’s skill set. He spends a lot of the week out watching games anyway and this new role gives him wider scope to attend games all over the UK and plan his working week accordingly.

“I have no doubt he will build assets for the football club and lead player ID and player transfers in the forthcoming windows.

“He has swapped the dug out for the boardroom on a match day essentially, and as much as he will be a big loss in terms of the daily coaching and match day itself, he will be a huge asset for the football club in this new role instead, and will definitely help to enhance the boardroom on a match day.”

Good luck, Brian!

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